After his unsuccessful attempt to sign a contract for the sixth division English side Woking Football club, Nepali striker Anil Gurung has spoken about the hardships Asians sportspersons face in England.
Gurung said he developed trust among the officials of the club only after they went through his personal bio-data and picture on the net.
Gurung termed the All Nepal Football Association's (ANFA) decision not to give him a no objection letter which was required to present himself at the English club "unsupportive." "If only ANFA had released the letter I would be playing for the club."
Gurung was emotional and looked sad while sharing his experience at the club. He had left for England six months ago hoping to play professional football but returned after three months of training with the club. Gurung was sent home when he failed to produce a work permit.
"If all my documents had been ready on time, it would be a different story," said Gurung who had gone to England on tourist visa. With three months left for his visa to expire, Gurung decided to cut short his England stay keeping the upcoming South Asian Games in mind.
"I will definitely prove myself abroad if I get a second chance. But now I am focused on the South Asian Games. The England trip has also inspired me to do better in the Games."
Gurung is determined to give his best with the help of the skills he learned abroad. Though he has failed in his goal, no one can deny Gurung the credit for being the first Nepali footballer to train for an English club.
"I can say from my experience that the first thing a player needs to be able to play in England is physical fitness, on a much higher level than what we see with Nepali players," said Gurung.
During his stay at the club, Gurung maintained an impressive goal scoring record managing four in six matches he played.
source: The Kathmandu Post
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